Articles tagged with Risk Communication
A recent study found that restaurants often provide inaccurate information about food safety risks, particularly with undercooked beef hamburgers. Despite menus complying with FDA guidance, servers frequently contradict this information, leaving customers confused and vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
Researchers analyze data from a survey of Gulf Coast residents to understand how their perceptions of hurricane threat vary depending on their gender, belief in climate change, and recent experience. The study found that those who have recently experienced severe hurricanes are more likely to perceive the increasing violence of storms.
The article highlights the need to communicate the risk of low doses of ionizing radiation associated with imaging, while managing the dose. Dr. Cynthia H. McCollough suggests approaches for presenting radiation risk and benefit information that support the ALARA principle.
A study published in The BMJ found that communicating genetic disease risk estimates has no significant effect on behavior change, including smoking cessation and physical activity. Despite high interest in personalized medicine, the research suggests that genetic testing may not motivate people to adopt healthier behaviors.
A study by University at Buffalo expert Janet Yang found that holding collective, communitarian beliefs contributes to altruistic behavior, while individualistic values hinder it. Emotions like sadness and empathy play a significant role in promoting altruism.
Two experts debate the impact of alcohol abstinence campaigns like Dry January, with one arguing they may have unintended consequences for heavy drinkers. On the other hand, another expert suggests that such campaigns can help people reflect on their drinking habits and make longer-term changes.
Effective communication among surgical teams is linked to lower risk of surgical site infections, while irrelevant communication increases the risk. Relevant communication facilitates team coordination and minimizes distractions.
Researchers have developed a simple score that uses self-reported information to predict an individual's risk of dying within 5 years. The score can be calculated online using a questionnaire and has been validated in a large study sample, showing high accuracy in predicting mortality risk.
A new study found that cancer patients have variable knowledge about imaging tests, with most wanting basic education about radiation use and understanding how tests differ. Patients also desired information on potential long-term risks and participation in decision-making about medical imaging.
Kentucky geologists are sounding the alarm on landslide risk as the Oso disaster anniversary approaches. They emphasize the need for improved communication and policy to protect communities at high hazard areas. The US Geological Survey reports that landslides cause $2-3 billion in damage annually, with 25-50 fatalities.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that physicians and patients significantly overestimated the risk of heart attack and death from acute coronary syndrome. Despite discussions about risk, patients' assessment of their risk remained unchanged or increased, highlighting ineffective patient-physician communication.
A special issue of JACR explores improving CT exam safety through radiation dose optimization, considering factors like patient size and communication with pediatric patients. The issue includes articles discussing CT protocol review, decision support tools, and educational simulations to enhance optimization techniques.
Research at Ohio State University found that teenagers who played violent video games ate more chocolate, stole raffle tickets, and showed less self-control. Teens with high moral disengagement were most likely to engage in these behaviors.
A new study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that a hospital program, Project BOOST, reduced avoidable rehospitalizations by an average of 2 percent over 12 months. The program focuses on identifying high-risk patients, effective discharge planning, and close follow-up through phone calls and timely appointments.
A common standard for Design, Application and Communication of Population Viability Analyses (PVA) is proposed to enhance communication and repeatability of PVAs. The protocol, accompanied by an interactive website, aims to strengthen the credibility and relevance of PVAs for policy and management.
A recent study found that people with negative feelings towards climate change actively seek out more information, while those with positive emotions tend to avoid it. The researchers suggest that improving risk communication about climate change could benefit from approaches such as arousing curiosity and promoting optimism.
A survey by AIG reveals that hospital executives prioritize financial sustainability over patient safety, citing barriers such as inadequate teamwork, poor communication, and documentation burdens. Despite a cultural emphasis on patient safety, many executives acknowledge the need for major changes to maintain this culture.
A study reveals that adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to their comfort with uncertainty, rather than an innate taste for risk. By providing precise information about the risks involved, adolescents become even more risk-averse, whereas ambiguity makes them more willing to take risks.
The University of Colorado Department of Radiology has developed a smartcard to communicate effective doses and radiation risks of common adult radiologic exams to referring physicians and patients. The Adult Dose-Risk Smartcard simplifies facts on radiation dose and risk for informed decision-making about medical imaging procedures.
A systematic review of FDA warnings and alerts over 20 years found that communicating health risks can be a complex science, with varying impacts on drug use and health behaviors. The most effective notices were those warning about serious adverse events, but even these had variable effects.
A renewed federal effort to fix the nation's stalled nuclear waste program is focusing too much on technological issues, neglecting public mistrust. Social science experts warn that ignoring these concerns increases the chances of repeating past failures, such as Yucca Mountain.
People take precautions when aware of risk and believe effective actions are available; accurate communication is key to prevent mass scares. The journal review highlights the importance of risk perception in health behavior theories.
A new study by Hyunjin Song and Norbert Schwarz found that people tend to classify difficult-to-pronounce items as risky, whether they are desirable or undesirable risks. This suggests that the ease of processing a product's name can influence risk perception.
A study found that people's opinions on nanotechnology are shaped by their cultural values, with pro-commerce values leading to a positive view and egalitarian values sparking concerns about risks. The findings highlight the need for nuanced communication strategies to address diverse audiences.
The updated charts show a person's risk of dying from a given cause within the next 10 years, taking into account their age, sex, and smoking status. The charts provide two key elements: the magnitude of the risk and context to help people understand where to focus risk reduction efforts.
NC State's Dr. Brenton Faber and Dr. David Berube are crafting a white paper to advise the government on communicating nanotechnology risks to the media and public. The goal is to ensure accurate risk communication for years to come.
Discussing coronary risk profiles with physicians can improve cholesterol management and treatment adherence. Patients who receive their risk profile have smaller reductions in LDL levels and are more likely to reach lipid targets.
A University of Alberta researcher found that people understand the dangers of bad habits but struggle to change due to factors like social norms and human defiance. The study suggests that risk communicators need to look beyond knowledge of risks to address underlying issues, such as poverty and unemployment.
The study highlights the importance of effective risk communications in emergency response, finding that people rely on non-traditional sources like clergy for information. Only 31% of respondents had created a family plan, while most believed they were prepared but weren't.
A review by Devereaux and colleagues highlights the risks of non-cardiac surgery, with 500,000 to 900,000 patients experiencing cardiac events each year. The authors discuss methods for estimating risk pre-operatively and communicating these findings to clinicians.
A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.
Patients undergoing cosmetic surgery showed improved risk recall when informed of potential complications through both verbal and written means. A study found that patients who received a pamphlet outlining their procedure's risks retained more information than those who only discussed it verbally.
Risk experts address communication challenges in public health and policy contexts, discussing factors like perception, information quality, and industry influence. Effective risk communication is crucial for public health decisions and policy-making.
A study of older cardiac patients found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients was scarce, with many feeling uninformed about their treatment options. The authors highlight the importance of patients' preferences in healthcare decisions, particularly for those with quality of life and life expectancy concerns.
Research by Sunyna Williams found that people are more honest about health risks when in relationships, but less so about matters of the heart. Couples tend to dispense with precautions like condoms too quickly, especially during closer relationship stages.
Research highlights the benefits of physical activity in reducing heart disease risk in women with diabetes. Regular walking and faster walking paces were associated with even lower risks. Additionally, a study suggests that ursodiol may reduce colon cancer risk for some patients with ulcerative colitis.
A study of caregivers' goals for Alzheimer's treatment reveals that maintaining quality of life is more important than extending lifespan. Most caregivers are willing to accept risks to slow the disease and would prioritize benefits such as preserving memory, communication, and daily function over additional years of life.
The DOE's sensor system uses a temperature sensor and radio-frequency tag to measure F-16 brake temperatures during landings. This allows ground crews to monitor the risk of hot brake emergencies, enabling pilots to take necessary precautions.
A well-balanced diet, such as the DASH diet, significantly lowers blood levels of homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism. This reduction is predicted to lower the risk of heart disease by 7 to 9 percent. Additionally, reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol from the DASH diet should further reduce heart disease risk.
A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins and two other academic medical centers found that large fluctuations in eye pressure during the day or over consecutive days are associated with greater risk of vision loss. Glaucoma patients who experienced low fluctuations in pressure had a lower risk of further vision loss compared to those wi...
A nine-year study found that African-American women are 2.4 times more likely to develop diabetes due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. The study suggests that adopting a healthier lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes in this population.
A large-scale NHLBI study found a significant relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension, with middle-aged adults at highest risk. The study revealed that even moderate levels of sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension in all participants, regardless of age or weight.
A new review of data from a recent nationwide trial shows the free prostate specific antigen test (fPSA) is as accurate in detecting prostate cancer risk in African American men as it is in Caucasians. The study found that nearly 75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies can be spared for black men.
A new study finds that subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition prevalent in older women with no observable symptoms, is a strong indicator of risk for hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. Additionally, low-birthweight babies and babies of underweight mothers have a high risk for a diabetic condition.
A 20-year study found that consuming high amounts of sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in overweight individuals. The study also showed an increased risk of stroke death from higher sodium intake among overweight adults. Overall, reducing sodium consumption is recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease risks.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brisk walking can reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks in women by 30-40%. The study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, estimating one-third of coronary events among middle-aged women result from physical inactivity.
The study estimates that one out of every two men and one out of every three women aged 40 will develop CHD, with risks remaining high at age 70. Heart disease is a major killer in the US, affecting 12-13 million Americans, and prevention measures such as healthy lifestyle choices are crucial.
A new study by NHLBI shows that ultrasonography can predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in older adults, even before traditional risk factors appear. The test measures artery wall thickness, providing valuable information for early treatment and prevention.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can detect Down syndrome in the first trimester with accuracy rates exceeding 60%. The test combines measurements of human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated protein A to identify women at higher risk of carrying a fetus with the condition.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that diabetic men are at a 13 times higher risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to non-diabetic men. Diabetic men were also four times more likely to develop ESRD attributed to non-diabetic disorders such as high blood pressure or kidney infection.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that nearly one in four heart attack patients suffer from depression, which makes them less likely to modify their diets and exercise more often. The study also showed that depressed patients had greater difficulty following recommended lifestyle and behavior change recommendations.
A long-term epidemiological study found that postmenopausal women with the highest bone mass have a 3.5 times increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile of bone mass. The study suggests that high bone mass may be associated with increased exposure to estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer de...
A long-term epidemiological study found a strong association between high bone mass and increased risk of breast cancer. Women with higher bone mass had 3.5 times the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile.